Over the Counter: A urinary tract infection can be prevented

Monday

Mar 31, 2014 at 12:33 PMMar 31, 2014 at 12:33 PM

By Steve Bernardi and Dr. Gary KracoffMore Content Now

The razor-sharp pain and burning of a urinary tract infection is often unbearable. While the urgency might send you running to the restroom, whatís even more troubling is that urinary tract infections have a tendency to be recurring.For those who are prone to urinary infections, there are many natural ways to promote urinary health and help prevent infection.Cranberry juice concentrate ó the very bitter form of pure cranberry juice ó and cranberry extract in capsule form, are excellent remedies to help fight infection and promote a healthy urinary system. Pure cranberry juice and cranberry extract coat the lining of the urinary tract and bladder to help flush out bad bacteria. Itís wise to avoid cranberry juice with added sugar, which may augment symptoms.Sugar and white flour make the body more acidic ó which enhances the growth of bacteria and causes inflammation. This not only makes the infection worse, but can exacerbate minor inflammation in the urinary tract and make urination more painful.There is one form of sugar that actually helps stop a urinary infection. D-Mannose, a supplement available in capsule and powder form, also coats the urinary tract lining and helps to flush out the bad bacteria. Itís also a low glycemic sugar which doesnít stay in the bloodstream and therefore doesnít raise blood sugar in the body.A natural remedy for people with a current urinary tract infection is a combination blend of uva ursi, berberine, marshmallow root, bladderwrack and celery seed. To prevent a urinary tract infection from happening in the first place, take a multistrain probiotic with 12 to 14 strains of beneficial bacteria. The probiotic should be kept refrigerated and should be purchased that way.When buying any probiotics, vitamins or supplements, always purchase a brand that uses third-party testing to verify the purity and quality of their product.Additionally, a daily herbal blend of cranberry concentrate, dandelion leaf extract and hibiscus flower extract can also be used to prevent a urinary tract infection.The herbal remedies, probiotics and D-Mannose can be taken with an antibiotic to complement the treatment. Itís important to note that if you have a urinary tract infection, you must see your physician or health care provider. Urinary tract infections can lead to kidney infections if untreated and in some cases can lead to a life-threatening blood infection in the body.Pregnant women have to be especially careful of developing a urinary tract infection, which is more likely to travel to the kidneys and could lead to pre-term labor.The elderly are also more susceptible to urinary tract infections because of urinary incontinence and not being able to fully empty their bladder. Itís important to note that elderly individuals with a urinary tract infection often present with much different symptoms than a younger adult and may have confusion, fatigue, weakness, muscle aches and abdominal pain.Typical symptoms of a urinary tract infection for younger adults include painful urination, urgency and frequent urination, and cloudy, dark or bloody urine. If you have a fever, back pain or pain in your side below the ribs, or any nausea or vomiting, that could indicate a kidney infection and medical treatment should be sought.There are some simple steps to keep the urinary tract healthy. Drink water throughout the day to help flush out bacteria. To stay hydrated, drink the amount of water in ounces that is equivalent to half of your body weight. This means a man who weighs 180 pounds should drink 90 ounces of water. This does not apply to a person on a fluid restriction who must limit the amount of fluids they consume.Itís best to avoid caffeine, which irritates the bladder, and alcohol, which acts as a diuretic and can increase urgency and frequency. Antihistamines found in cold and allergy medicines can cause urinary retention, which may lead to an infection.While both males and females experience urinary tract infections, women are more susceptible because they have a smaller urethra, which makes it easier for bacteria to enter the urinary tract.Women can prevent urinary tract infections by wearing 100-percent cotton underwear and wiping front to back to prevent bacteria from coming in contact with the urethra. Many women react to dyes in toilet paper and feminine products. There are unscented and unbleached toilet paper, sanitary napkins and pantyliners available to help avoid irritation. Itís also helpful to urinate before and after sexual intercourse to get rid of bacteria.Menopausal women have a higher risk of developing urinary tract infections. When estrogen levels drop during menopause, the outermost layer of skin in the urethra and bladder begins to thin and loses its protective nature against infection. A health care provider can prescribe a bioidentical estrogen replacement therapy to replace estrogen in the body during menopause. A compounding pharmacist can then compound a bioidentical estrogen therapy that is tailored to the individual patient and replicates natural estrogen produced by the body. Bioidentical estrogen therapy is available in a cream, which is applied vaginally to target the affected area.There are also natural lubricants available to help alleviate dryness and combat any bad bacteria or yeast that comes in contact with the urethra. Look for a lubricant with Calendula Flower, Pine Resin and Canadian Balsam Fir.As we age, urinary incontinence can become another issue altogether. Luckily there are exercises called Kegels, which can be performed anytime, anywhere. Kegels strengthen your pelvic floor muscles that support the bladder and prevent leaking. While squeezing these muscles is beneficial, this should not be done during urination, which can lead to a urinary tract infection.Men can also do Kegels to prevent urinary incontinence and treat incontinence related to prostate issues. Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), is an enlarged prostate that can obstruct urinary flow if it becomes too swollen and may also cause incontinence. BPH does not increase the risk of prostate cancer.To support prostate and urinary health, men can take an herbal blend of saw palmetto, pygeum bark and beta-sitosterol. A blend of zinc and selenium is also beneficial.If you are having any difficulty starting your urinary stream or experiencing a slow stream or urinary incontinence, you should see your physician or health care provider. Other signs to be aware of are straining when urinating, blood in urine or semen or bone pain and tenderness in the lower back or pelvic bones, which may be an indication of prostate cancer.For men and women, a healthy urinary tract is important to overall health. Remember to take good care of yourself, drink plenty of water, and eat a balanced diet to give your body the nutrients it needs to prevent infection and maintain optimum health.Steve Bernardi is a compounding pharmacist and Dr. Gary Kracoff is a registered pharmacist and a naturopathic doctor at Johnson Compounding and Wellness Center in Waltham, Mass. (www.naturalcompounder.com). Readers with questions about natural or homeopathic medicine, compounded medications, or health in general can email steveandgary@naturalcompounder.com or call 781-893-3870.

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